Ahead of Sunday's season opener between the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals, Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett looks at the biggest factor for each team to win, and highlights the game's key matchup.

The Lions will win if … they get three or more sacks on Cardinals QB Carson Palmer. The Cardinals were 0-6-1 last season when Palmer was sacked three or more times, so the recipe is clear. Palmer, 37, isn’t the most mobile of signal callers, but the Cardinals have a good enough running game with David Johnson to keep defenses at bay. The Lions struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks all preseason, but the return of Ziggy Ansah from a knee injury should help up front.

The Cardinals will win if … David Johnson has a David Johnson-type game. Johnson doesn’t get enough credit as one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. He topped 2,000 yards from scrimmage last year, his second in the league, and is a weapon both running the football and as a receiver (80 catches last year). The Lions know they need to limit Johnson’s touches to have a chance, especially in the pass game. Rookie middle linebacker Jarrad Davis will have his hands full, but the Lions can help him by playing more nickel and dime defense.

The new and improved Robinson (so the Lions hope) gets first real test at left tackle Sunday against his old NFC West nemesis Jones. In two games against the Cardinals last season, Robinson drew two penalties, allowed one sack-fumble and shared in the blocking assignment on two more sacks allowed. Jones is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and after playing well all preseason, Robinson can’t afford to be off his game.